Letter 09: Dear Readers
Original Post Date: January 10, 2024
“For as long as I choose to write and publish on this platform, I promise to never forget or neglect my target audience, my inspiration, and my muse, Black Women. ”
Writing is a privilege because I love to do it. After the past year, I understand the privilege of publishing your writing. It's the ability to connect with, inspire, and be nourished by your audience
Dear Readers,
I considered starting this letter by saying, “When I started this blog a year ago, I wasn’t sure if anyone would read it”, but thats a lie. I have a pretty bomb support system. I knew if no new members joined my audience they'd be there to cheer me on.
Beginning this by saying that, when I started this blog a year I wasn’t sure if my work would matter, create an impact, or offer relevancy is a lot closer to the reservations I experienced upon my first post.
Over the past year I’ve interacted with a host of you to understand my hesitations were quite futile.
The most rewarding remark I’ve received is that I made my audience feel seen.
Others have also shared that I’ve inspired them to embark on building their writing platform. This sentiment is so sweet because it helps restore my faith in the tool of community.
Community can be such a nurturing and supportive tool if we truly seek it out. Knowing that I’ll be able to witness other young black women showcase their capabilities brings me comfort. It especially uplifting as I strive to offer and promote positive representations for black women younger than us.
When I set out to grow this space, I was clear on my goal. I wanted to offer my tribulations and experiences, in an attempt, to reassure others.
As an overachiever, the remarks on my impactful writing were the gold star that I needed.
The outpour of appreciation from y’all was satisfying. Although, what truly warmed my heart was the validation y'all offered me.
A few months after Letters From A Young Black Woman was launched, I was approached by the Mizzou Black Creatives executive board. Their proposal was a facilitation of one of their semester events regarding anonymous storytelling.
I was shocked for various reasons.
In my foreshadowing of inaugural year opportunities, event hosting wasn’t remotely on my radar. Even in its consideration, I didn’t see its feasibility until many years and followers later.
Secondly, I was astonished that my storytelling had convinced others that I was suited to advise others on sharing their confessions. It was surely one of those imposter syndrome moments.
Since this event, I have been able to collaborate with the Association of Black Psychologists, Mizzou’s NAACP chapter, and the Missouri Student Association.
I’ve been endowed with the ability to share and commune with others. This brings me joy, but there’s an additional satisfaction to convene with those who look like you and share similar experiences. Each of these organizations features black women in their leadership. I have to thank them for allowing me to carry out my purpose of partnering with other black women to nurture each other and create empowerment around our stories.
Just know that y’all hold a special place in my heart and are etched into the history of Letters From A Young Black Woman.
The additional piece of validation that y’all have given me is that I don’t walk this path as an independent driven black woman by myself.
My daddy often tells me when I go on long rants about the things that I strongly believe in “You know you can stop to breathe, right”. If that isn’t a testament to how I’m willing to vocalize my thoughts well I don’t know what is.
I used to serve these monologues solely at my granny’s kitchen table. With social media, I’ve had the opportunity to facilitate it through that medium. This blog has allowed me to share my opinions more constructively. Sharing my thoughts opened up the avenue for us to easily exchange convictions.
I was relieved to know that my frustrations and concerns, due to the influence of social media, weren’t privy to me.
Like many of you (I’m guessing), I recently watched the Katt Williams interview on Shannon Sharpe’s show, Club Shay Shay. Many of Willaim's proclamations inspired inner deliberation, as I wasn’t aware of the comedian's intelligence and level of integrity.
As he discussed comedic peers he felt had capitalized off the sacrifice of dignity, I contemplated what this may look like as Letters From A Young Black Woman grows in deliverance and attention.
My next proclamation is a means of establishing accountability for myself but also creating trust between me and you.
For as long as I choose to write and publish on this platform, I promise to never forget or neglect my target audience, my inspiration, and my muse, Black Women.
To all of my readers who took the time to read a post, send me encouragement, extend a platform to me, or offer inspiration for future endeavors I thank you. You are forever engraved into the foundation of Letters From A Young Black Woman.
With Love,
Allie
Song of the Post:
Oh, do I love Jorja Smith? She has such a calming, yet uplifting voice. This song fits In her most recent album Failing or Flying she shows gratitude in her song "Greatest Gift". Not only has this platform been a gift to me, but the audience and opportunities associated with it bring me such privileges.
